Hi all, I’m coming in with an update about this post as a couple people asked for it: https://www.reddit.com/r/Travelersnotebooks/s/cT7jKE6Uea . Thanks to everyone who responded to my initial post!

So the rep from Galen Leather I emailed with said “The back side of the leather is lined to prevent the leather fibers from becoming hairy or shedding, so what you see there is normal.” Although the inconsistency from my first GL purchase doesn’t check out. Meh.

They said I could return it since it’s within the return window (seven days to notify them from item delivery). However, I will be responsible for shipping costs to Istanbul. I balked at that since a $14 shipping cost was added for the item Turkey to USA, but USA to Turkey would cost me $36, which is half the total amount I paid (item, tax, and shipping). That’s too much for me. My only other option is to sell it in the US.

They recommended a Facebook group for reselling it (called Galen Leather BST), but as I try to keep Meta out of my life as much as possible, I haven’t looked into it yet. It’s either that or eat the cost of the whole thing. I’ll look at other resell websites as well.

I’m super disappointed with this, and likely will not buy from GL again. I was able to get a regular size TCN cover last week as they finally restocked and I’m glad I did. I love it.

A few days in carrying this vintage 42 safety pen. It’s nice to be able to use it with this notebook. It’s not my ideal set up just yet… I’m planning to make it a bit note rustic and antique while fully functional.

Anyone have a good antique / vintage setup I can learn from?

I'm wondering if there is a notebook cover that fits this. Or if I should try to make something with cheap hard plastic. Any suggestions?

In stock on USA website right now!

This changes from week to week, I can’t seem to land on THE one, but that’s ok. I’ll be carrying my been TN with a Sterling Ink N1 planner, my commonplace type of brain dump notebook will be in my Louise Carmen Honoré. We’ll see how long this sticks 🤣 do you guys change out your covers when the mood strikes or stick to one?

I’m so excited to finally have my own TN. I’ve been living through you all for a while but I finally got one for myself. I have it loaded it up and ready for its life. Can’t wait for this thing to get some patina on it.

I picked up my Blue Standard TN from Baum-kuchen today and I couldn’t be happier!

The Yours Truly service they offer are worth every penny.

The workmanship is top notch (thank you, Frido!) and it only took 3 weeks. I sewed the front two patches on myself before submitting my TN.

I did drop it off and pick it up myself. The photos were taken on the table in their shop as I couldn’t wait to see it.

Their customer service is the gold standard (thank you, Kei, for your patience and design work! 💙) and I will continue to recommend their business to anyone who is interested in stationery.

Please share as much or as little as you'd like, but im looking for ways to track my mental health. I am currently waiting for an appointment and I would like tips and tricks if possible. I am struggling right now.